
So…what is the Monday Poll?
Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no?
I don’t mind it, but it’s not the biggest factor for me when it comes to gloss. So, yes, but it’s not a hard yes, LOL!
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013?
Living in Novato, in the same place, doing MBB all the time and enjoying life with the boys — El Hub and Tabs. I had no idea of what was to come!
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette?
Cool-toned. I feel like I can wear both, but ever since I embraced my grays, cooler tones tend to look better on my lids.
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike?
Yes, and I was terrified! I do not need to be going that fast on two wheels.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house?
Two weeks ago, although it wasn’t anything fancy. My parents came to visit and we went to chapel to watch Connor’s Christmas performance, and afterwards we had In-N-Out at our house.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday?
I asked Santa for a karaoke machine and he delivered! Connor and I have been doing duets for the last 24 hours, LOL!
7. New Year’s resolutions?
I don’t really do specific resolutions anymore. I prefer a goal or two that I can approach in a way that feels right. One thing I would like to do in 2023 is to widen our circle as much as possible — dance friends, neighbor friends, all the friends!
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve?
In my jammies with my people eating something special and watching a movie.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today?
Yes, let’s do it! I hope the rest of your 2022 is smooth sailing. Keep it up! You’re doing so great.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no?
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013?
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette?
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike?
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house?
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday?
7. New Year’s resolutions?
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve?
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today?
P.P.S. Hello, friend! Last Monday Poll of the year — can you believe it? Time flies when you’re searching for a decent hair mask.
About the pic at the top… I keep seeing repeating numbers and have been for the last two months. I like to think it’s a good sign, so I’m sending good vibes into the universe and your way today.
Take care of yourself. Love you so, so much!

1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no? No, my lips actually are actually pretty full (we won’t walk about everything else going south when I hit 60 though 🙂
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013? Just married, in Chicago for the first winter here (my husband is from Illinois).
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette? I have dark red hair but my skin tone is cool, so a cool-toned palette.
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike? No.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house? About a month ago, but it was finger food, homemade desserts, and good coffee.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday? My husband was on the road, and a neighbor shoveled my sidewalk so I didn’t have to.
7. New Year’s resolutions? Nothing new but a continuation of staying on a regular sleep schedule, and eating healthy.
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve? Home with music or some movies, popcorn, and something warm to drink.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today? Wishing you all health and happiness.
Thanks for the well wishes, Brigid! Have a great rest of your week.
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no? No. I like my lips just the way they are. Not really a sticky, gloss person either.
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013? Same house, same husband, same child all just 10 years younger. Nibbler was 5 years old instead of 15. We still had Lucy and Nora with us, too.
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette? With my fair skin I prefer cool-toned eyeshadows.
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike? No, but Dear Daughter and Dear Husband want to get me one. Dear Daughter has one and she got around all over Manhattan, D.C and now Chicago with it. Considering I used to race road bikes and ride horses, I don’t think the speed will bother me. (I feel the need, the need for speed. Lol)
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house? Yesterday.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday? Everything. Nice sorta defines the Christmas holiday. The Warriors won!
7. New Year’s resolutions? I don’t bother with New Year’s resolutions.
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve? At home with Dear Husband and a bottle of proseco with lemon sorbetto to drop scoops into the bottom of the flutes.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today? I hope everyone has a new year filled with love, laughter, joy, good health and very few struggles.
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no? Nah, I don’t need them and they seem painful.
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013? I was living in CA and the kids were 7 and 10. I was kind of drowning at that time, I didn’t really know who I was at the time. When I hit 40, things clicked into place.
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette? I usually lean towards cool tones.
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike? No, I don’t think they’re for me.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house? Christmas Eve, we did my family’s traditional tacos on Xmas Eve. We moved 2500 miles from home so we hosted some friends and kept up traditions.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday? My kids really enjoyed their presents, they were surprised and genuinely thankful.
7. New Year’s resolutions? My cholesterol is a little higher than I’d like, I’m not ready to deal with things like that, so I’d like to get that back to a number I can live with.
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve? Watching the ball drop, drinking some Martinelli’s, and going to bed.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today? I wish everyone has a peace filled and healthy new year. 2023 is the year!
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no?
Absolutely not. I dislike glosses in general, and really don’t like that tingly feeling from plumping products:
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013?
Living in Oakland, working in SF.
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette?
I have quite a few warm toned ones, so cool for a change.
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike?
No, I can barely ride a regular bike.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house?
Several years ago, before the pandemic.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday?
A friend brought me some very special bread he had made.
7. New Year’s resolutions?
I don’t believe in them. I like thoughtful, realistic changes that make sense for my life.
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve?
I used to like to go to a late movie and come out in the new year. I also enjoy going out to dinner and then a long walk.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today?
Yes! I wish you peace of mind in the new year.
Happy New Year Karen, wishing you and your beautiful family health and happiness in 2023.
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no? No…I hate the tingling sensation.
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013? December of 2013… I had a 14 month old baby and was 5 months pregnant🤪.
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette? Warm
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike? Yes…my husband actually bought one this year. I was scared at first.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house? October…My son had a birthday party with all of his gaming buddies. Pizza, cookies, and cake…so no cooking.
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday? Being able to work from home while the kids are on break…My boss is awesome😁
7. New Year’s resolutions? Make healthier choices. Embrace turning 40 in 2023😝.
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve? On the couch! I buy party supplies, plastic wine glasses, and sparkling grape juice for my kiddos.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today? YES. Be kind to yourself and be patient with others. I hope we all have a happy & healthy new year.
1. Lip plumping gloss: yes or no? Yes, why not? Love it. Who doesn’t like plump lips?
2. Where were you this time 10 years ago in 2013? Same job, same home..thankful for that!
3. Would you rather get a warm-toned or a cool-toned eyeshadow palette? Either one, but I am a Winter (so look best in cool tones)
4. Have you ever ridden an electric bike? No, but have been a passenger on a motorcycle! I hated it. Scary.
5. Last time you hosted dinner at your house? Thanksgiving
6. Something nice that happened to you over the Christmas holiday? Went to a nice place for dinner on Christmas Eve. So relaxing and great Sangria.
7. New Year’s resolutions? Great nutrition! See my friends/family more (when not working)
8. Best way to spend New Year’s Eve? House party or home with junk food.
9. Shall we send some well-wishes to each other today? God bless you all. Sending healthy, peace and love to everyone.